Sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy achieves weight loss by removing up to 85 percent of your stomach. On average, our patients will lose 40 to 55 percent of their excess weight in one to two years following surgery. and experience an improvement in obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Experts in sleeve gastrectomy

Excellent patient outcomes. Our quality of care, years of experience, comprehensive services and positive patient outcomes are the reasons why our program is designated a Center of Excellence and Center of Distinction by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield, OptumHealth and Cigna. Only centers that meet their strict criteria are included among their distinguished centers.

Experience matters. Our weight loss program has been serving Raleigh and Durham for more than 20 years. It is staffed by board-certified surgeons who are fellowship-trained, meaning they have completed additional years of training in bariatric surgery. They perform approximately 800 bariatric surgeries each year. Studies show that surgical experience is an important indicator of your successful outcome.

Our commitment to you. Our surgeons, physician assistants, psychologists, nutritionists, endocrinologists, nursing, and anesthesia teams are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. We work with you and your doctor to establish a successful weight loss plan.

Choosing the right approach. Your initial consultation will include an extensive physical exam and nutritional, psychological, and lifestyle evaluation. We also carefully evaluate you for all related medical conditions. This often requires special studies and occasionally consultations from medical specialists. This information helps us recommend the safest, most effective surgical approach for you.

Safer, minimally invasive surgery. Nearly 99 percent of our weight loss surgeries are completed laparoscopically, meaning they only require small incisions. In some cases, we use robotic tools to minimize incisions for more complex procedures that would normally require larger incisions. Smaller incisions translate to less pain, fewer complications, smaller scars, shorter stays, and faster recovery. Sometimes an abdominal incision is necessary based on your weight, body shape, and surgery history.

Post-surgery body contouring. If unwanted, loose skin and tissue hide the results of weight loss surgery, our skilled plastic surgeons can work with you to smooth and shape your body and ensure you feel and look your best.

Support groups before and after surgery. We offer free, monthly and weekly support groups in Durham and Raleigh to people who are preparing for weight loss surgery, as well as those who have already had surgery. Our experts address a variety of topics including nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes. You will also have the opportunity to talk to people with similar experiences in an educational and supportive setting. Your weight loss surgery did not have to be performed at Duke to participate in these support groups.

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
Comprehensive consultation

The journey to weight loss surgery includes several consultations to evaluate your medical condition and overall well-being. The consultations are typically scheduled to take place during your first visit to our weight loss surgery clinic.

Medical consultation

Your surgeon will conduct a physical exam, and a series of tests (described below). The results are used to identify and evaluate any medical problems related to your obesity, and is used by your surgeon to recommend the right procedure for you.

Psychological consultation

During the two-hour consultation, which is required for weight loss surgery, our licensed clinical psychologist will review your knowledge about weight loss surgery, as well as your motivation, support and goals following the procedure. In addition, the psychologist will review your eating patterns, psychological functioning and history, as well as lifestyle behaviors (such as diet, exercise and smoking habits). You will leave with an individualized lifestyle and behavioral treatment plan, educational material and recommendations to help you prepare for weight loss surgery.

Nutritional evaluation

Our dietitian will review your dieting history, current meal planning, eating behaviors, and your diet progression following surgery. The dietician will work with you to develop a plan to change your current diet as you prepare for surgery. Dietary changes may include eliminating high calorie beverages such as sweet tea, regular soda, juice and alcohol from your diet; reducing fast food consumption; eating three meals a day with no meal skipping; taking a daily multivitamin; and using a food journal.

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY
Tests

Several tests are needed to complete the medical evaluation. Tests can be completed at Duke Raleigh Hospital or Duke Regional Hospital, or your surgeon can order the tests at a location that is convenient to you.

Sound waves are used to capture high speed, 3-D images of the moving heart.

Endoscopy or Barium swallow

These procedures are performed to identify signs of gastrointestinal concerns such as acid reflux, GERD, hernias or ulcers. A solution of barium is digested during the barium swallow which enables your doctor to take X-ray images of the upper portion of your digestive tract. During an endoscopy, a lighted tube is passed through your mouth and down your throat. A camera on its tip allows your doctor to see inside your esophagus, stomach and parts of your small intestine.

Blood work

A variety of tests are performed to screen for medical conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol and thyroid disorders, assess your body's chemical balance and metabolism, such as iron and folate levels, as well as possible vitamin deficiencies.

Additional tests may be required

A sleep study may be necessary if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea. You may also undergo additional studies if previous tests and the medical evaluation uncover a history of heart disease, kidney disorders, or lung problems.